Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Euan Kerr
St. Paul, Minn.

Lou Bellamy remembers director, mentor Claude Purdy

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Claude Purdy
Claude Purdy, a founding member of the Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, died last week.
Photo courtesy of Penumbra Theatre

This week people from all over the country will gather in Greenville, N.C. for the National Black Theater Festival -- and they will no doubt be swapping tales of Claude Purdy.

Purdy a founding member of the Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, died last week at age 69.

Purdy is being hailed as a director, an actor, and a mentor to many artists, including Pulitzer-prize-winning playwright August Wilson. Purdy brought Wilson to St. Paul after convincing him to write plays instead of poetry.

Lou Bellamy, the Penumbra's artistic director, says Purdy brought many strengths to the stage.

Gallery
1 of 2
Claude Purdy
Claude Purdy, a founding member of the Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, died last week.
Photo courtesy of Penumbra Theatre
2 of 2
Lou Bellamy
Penumbra Theatre Artistic Director Lou Bellamy worked closely with Claude Purdy over the years. Purdy, a founding member of the Penumbra, died last week.
Photo by Ann Marsden